Boston Red Sox Prospects: Candidates for early season promotions

Red Sox first base prospect Niko Kavadas (Low-A to High-A)

Low-A is tough when it comes to midseason promotions. Simply because it feels weird to guess someone is going to get promoted so early into the year.

The reason for that is a lot of these guys were just drafted, or insanely young international prospects. In the case of Kavadas, he was just drafted in 2021 (11th-round pick for the Red Sox). He played seven games in Low-A last year (eight more in Rookie ball), and has appeared in 28 games in Low-A so far this year.

On the season, the left-handed hitter has a .256/.438/.433 slash line. He’s seen as a major power hitter but the home run numbers aren’t there just yet (two in 2022). However, he does have an impressive 10 doubles to go along with 13 RBI and 13 runs scored (he’s even stolen a base but don’t expect that to be a part of his game at all).

The big thing with Kavadas has been the patience. Drafted out of college, the University of Notre Dame product looks extremely seasoned at the dish. He’s already drawn 27 walks (although the 35 strikeouts is an issue at the moment).

Kavadas is 23 though. And he’s already doing great things in Low-A. If he can boost the average a bit and cut back on the strikeouts, there’s no reason for him to stay at the level for much longer. And if the home runs start to come? Get him out of there fast.

With College experience already under his belt, a long stay in Low-A just doesn’t feel necessary. Especially when he’s proving he can handle the pitching at the level. Kavadas is someone that Boston might want to try and push through the minors decently fast. He’s a left-handed bat that should hit a ton of home runs and has a good eye. No reason to keep spinning his wheels in Low-A. Move him up to the next level and see how things go.